Black Forest Ground Beetle vs Violet Dropwing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Forest Ground Beetle Violet Dropwing
Scientific Name Pterostichus niger Trithemis annulata
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Carabidae Libellulidae
Size 16–24 mm 32-38 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Forest Ground Beetle

A large jet-black ground beetle common in European forests and damp woodlands. It is one of the largest Pterostichus species in its range.

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Did You Know?

Despite being flightless, it can cover surprisingly large distances on foot during its nightly foraging walks.

Violet Dropwing

A stunning dragonfly where mature males turn deep violet-purple with red wing veins. It is expanding its range northward into southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It has colonized southern Europe from Africa and continues to spread north as temperatures warm.